College Costs in Las Cruces, NM 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 12 colleges in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,554
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$45,711
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,443
per month
Colleges & Universities
12
institutions
Las Cruces Overview
Population
111,385
Student Population
4,178 (3.8%)
Cost of Living Index
123 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
56/100
Transit Score
42/100
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
College Cost Calculator for Las Cruces
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,424
Total After Financial Aid
$107,424
Annual Cost
$26,856
Annual After Aid
$26,856
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,424 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,220 |
| Total Interest | $38,949 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,373 |
Universities in Las Cruces
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University | Public | $7,554 |
| Dona Ana Community College | Community | $1,848 |
Las Cruces has 12 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Las Cruces vs. National Average
| Category | Las Cruces | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,554 | $10,940 | -$3,386 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,443 | $1,050 | +$393 |
| Cost of Living Index | 123 | 100 | +23 |
Las Cruces's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Las Cruces
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
4,178 students
Las Cruces has a total population of 111,385, with approximately 4,178 college students (3.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Las Cruces offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Las Cruces
$57,513
Starting Salary
6.7%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Las Cruces earn a median starting salary of $57,513, which is $22,513 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,424 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,870 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in New Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities